Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh and his Philippine counterpart Honorio S Azcueta on April 13 co-hosted the first Vietnam- Philippines defence policy dialogue in Hanoi.

At the dialogue, the two sides assessed the global and regional situation and issues of shared concern, and reviewed the results of defence cooperation over recent years.

They agreed that the Vietnam – Philippines defence cooperation continued to grow steadily across a variety of realms in a practical and effective manner.

Regarding orientations for future cooperation, they consented to realize areas of cooperation under the framework of the bilateral defence cooperation agreement signed in October 2010.

Accordingly, both sides pledged to continue intensifying all-level delegation exchanges, maintain and improve the efficiency of deputy-ministerial dialogue mechanisms aiming to build confidence and perception on international and regional matters and bilateral relations.

They underlined the need to increase the operational efficiency of the joint working groups and dialogues of naval officers.

The two sides were unanimous in bolstering cooperation between army troops and sharing experience in naval offer training, search and rescue, anti-piracy, dealing with fishermen related issues and offering mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly mechanisms for regional defence and military cooperation such as ADMM, ADMM +.

They also expressed their desire to strengthen defence cooperation more comprehensively in the two peoples’ interests and for the sake of peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Defence Minister greets Philippine guest

Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh hosted a reception on April 13 in Hanoi for the Philippines’ Defence Under-Secretary Honorio S. Azcueta, who was in Vietnam to attend the Vietnam-Philippines defence strategy dialogue.

Defence Minister Thanh highlighted the friendship between the two countries, affirming that the Philippines is always one of Vietnam’s important partners in the region.

He expressed his delight at the two countries’ decision to upgrade their bilateral relations to strategic partnership, saying that this is a good chance for Vietnamese ad Philippine armies to expand their defence links.

While satisfied with the results in defence cooperation between the two nations in recent times, Minister Thanh suggested that the two sides should outline concrete plans towards making Vietnam-Philippine defence links stronger, and more effective and practical.

For his part, the Philippine official said he concurs with opinions made by the host, adding that he will do his utmost to accelerate the implementation of agreements reached by the two sides, contributing to enhancing solidarity and mutual understanding between the two armies and people.

Earlier the same day, the first Vietnam-Philippines strategic defence dialogue was held. The Vietnamese delegation to the event was led by Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh while the Philippine delegation was headed by Defence Under-Secretary Honorio S. Azcuetahis.

VOV/VNA